Definition Any Substance (i.e. drugs, food or hormones) or strategies (e.g. oral care) that can be used to stimulate appetite in order to increase eating desire in anyone.

Appetite is the desire to eat food, sometimes due to hunger. Appealing foods can stimulate appetite even when hunger is absent, although appetite can be greatly reduced by satiety. Appetite exists in all higher life-forms, and serves to regulate adequate energy intake to maintain metabolic needs. It is regulated by a close interplay between the type of food, digestive tract and the brain. Appetite has a relationship with every individual's behavior.

A loss of appetite occurs when you have a low desire to eat. Different factors can cause poor appetite, including mental and physical illness. If your lack of appetite last more than a couple of days, it can cause weight loss or malnutrition. Not having appetite can befrustrating for any one especially people who are underweight and trying to gain weight or build mass.

Sign and symptoms Patient with decrease in appetite usually present the following signs and symptoms: Nausea and vomiting Regurgitation and ruminationLump in the throat Psychological disturbance FatigueAnxiousAnemiaDehydrationElectrolyte imbalance (e.g. hypocalcaemia and hypocalcaemia)

Nursing management Assess patient general conditions and re assure patient before and during meal Give patient oral toilet before and after meal Provide privacy and allow patient to eat in confortable place needed Give light exercise for 10-15 minute before eating this help to improve appetite Administer prescribe appetite stimulant that help in stimulating patient appetite Avoid any food or beverages that has no over powering smell Provide patient with different choice of menuMake food a pleasant experience allow patient to eat in attractive setting, playing his favorite musicProvide patients with snacks between meal and bed time choose food high in calorie and protein Prove patient with small and frequent food Continue to re assure patient allay his fear and anxiety.

Education on patient on discharge i. Advice patient to eat nutrient rich foods iii. Advice patient to add more calories to his meal iv. Advice patientmake meal time an enjoyable and social activity v. patient should learn on how to schedule meal time vi. Advice patient not to skip breakfast vii. Eat less fiber viii. Eat more of your favorite food